Speaking recently on the Football Writers Podcast, Seb Stafford-Bloor stated that he would not like to see Newcastle United’s proposed takeover go through due to the club’s proposed new owners.
After over three months with seemingly no movement in Newcastle’s proposed £300 million Saudi-backed takeover, Premier League chief Richard Masters recently stated that he would “like the process to conclude shortly“, as well as responding to criticism that he has kept Newcastle fans in the dark over the process of the deal, stating:
“In a perfect world, takeovers would happen cleanly, clearly and in a timely fashion. Sometimes things get complicated.”
What is likely to have “complicated” the progression of the deal is numerous objections, which have been down to a number of reasons; ranging from human rights complaints to broadcast piracy.
And, when speaking recently on the Football Writers Podcast, in response to a question asking whether English football needs a ‘healthy and wealthy’ Newcastle United, Seb Stafford-Bloor claimed that he would not like to see the proposed takeover go through – due to the club’s potential new owners.
He said: “Not under these circumstances, to me. From an ethical standpoint, I stand against it. I don’t want this owner [Mohammed bin Salman] in the Premier League because of what he stands for.
“I think there are question marks about some of the other people associated with this [takeover] and some of the deals that they’ve done in the past, and their ability to recuse themselves of any sort of moral responsibility, I find quite repellent.
“But, let me simplify. It [English football] needs a Newcastle that’s not owned by Mike Ashley. Give me any other wealthy owner and I’d agree with you. This is, for me, a new low for the Premier League, if it goes through.”
TIF Thoughts…
As such, it would appear that, while Stafford-Bloor is certainly in favour of Newcastle being rid of their current owner, Mike Ashley, he is not in favour at the prospect of the Saudi Arabian state owning a Premier League football club.
Are you feeling more confident about the takeover being completed now?
YES
NO
